Where to Stay in Chicago: 7 Best Areas & Hotels

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Planning a Chicago trip and don’t know where to stay? In this post, I’ll tell you exactly where to stay in Chicago as a solo traveler.

If you’re planning your first solo trip to Chicago and are thinking, “Where the heck should I stay?”, you’re in the right place. As someone who has visited five times and stayed at four hotels in different areas, I can confidently share my experience and help you decide where to stay on your first solo trip there.

In this guide, I’m going to break down the best 7 areas and 21 hotels to stay in. There will be recommendations for all budgets and travel styles, so you will certainly be able to find the right hotel for you.

I’ll be sure to explain everything in just enough detail so you don’t finish this post feeling clueless or overwhelmed. In fact, by the time you’re done reading, I hope you’ll have your credit card out and ready to book!

THIS POST IS ALL ABOUT WHERE TO STAY IN CHICAGO.

WHERE TO STAY IN CHICAGO (AT A GLANCE)

If you’re on a time crunch, here are my favorite hotels and areas:

• 🏆 Best Overall Hotel: citizenM Chicago (Downtown)
• 🍳 Best for Free Breakfast: Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago (Streeterville)
• 🏙️ Best for Skyline Views: LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton (Downtown)
• 🛎️ Best Boutique: Sports Illustrated Resorts Chicago (Lake View)
• 🍽️ Best for Foodies: Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North (River North)
• 🏠 Best Guesthouse: Sentral Michigan Avenue (South Loop)
• 💵 Best Splurge: Chicago Athletic Association – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt (Downtown)
• 📍 Best for a Local Experience: Hotel Zachary (Lake View)

Keep reading for a more detailed overview of each hotel and area, along with more recommendations.

WHERE TO STAY IN CHICAGO

THE LOOP / DOWNTOWN CHICAGO: BEST FOR FIRST-TIMERS

📍Google Maps | Nearby: Wildberry, Stan’s Donut, Millennium Park

The Loop is Chicago’s downtown area. If you’re visiting Chicago for the first time, this is the perfect location.

Being in the middle of everything, it doesn’t take too long to get anywhere. There are multiple public transit stations (for buses and trains) to help you get around.

PROS OF STAYING IN THE LOOP / DOWNTOWN CHICAGO

• Extremely easy to get around
• Lots of things to do and see nearby
• Tons of hotel options
• Perfectly central location

CONS OF STAYING IN THE LOOP / DOWNTOWN CHICAGO

• Quite touristy and crowded (many first-timers stay here)
• Can get expensive
• Lots of chain restaurants
• Not much nightlife (with it being a downtown area, the vibe isn’t as great outside of business hours)

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN THE LOOP / DOWNTOWN CHICAGO

• citizenM Chicago Downtown: my all-time favorite hotel brand. The Chicago property is unique because it has a large outdoor area they overlooks the city. Rooms are tiny but mighty, and there’s an excellent area to lounge, neatly called “the living room.” Great affordable options for budget solo travelers.
• LondonHouse Chicago, Curio Collection by Hilton: has a fantastic rooftop on the 22nd floor with a bar and restaurant. The hotel’s architecture was inspired by the classic Chicago Beaux-Arts style. Amenities include an on-site restaurant, spa, boutique and more.
• Arlo Chicago: a beautifully designed hotel just a few minutes from Millennium Park and The Art Institute. Rooms are somewhat small, but very functional. Amenities include a fitness center and up to $10 in daily credits for DIVVY bikes, which are electric bikes in Chicago run by Lyft.
• L7 Chicago by LOTTE: this hotel overlooks the Chicago River and is perfectly located. Walk 15 minutes in any direction and you’ll pass several attractions, restaurants and landmarks. Rooms are spacious, practical and notably aesthetic.
• Loews Chicago Hotel: this hotel opened in 2015, and the rooms look modern and well-maintained. Amenities include a 24-hour complimentary business center, fitness center and indoor pool, open daily from 7AM-9PM. Officers are on duty 24 hours every day, perfect for solo travelers.
• Chicago Athletic Association – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt: I know it says athletic association in the name but I promise this is a hotel! There are great dining options, a game room and a popular rooftop called Cindy’s, which overlooks Millennium Park. The design of the property is very rich and old money-esque. I think it’s truly one of a kind. This hotel is DEFINITELY more of a splurge, as nightly rates can range from $500 to nearly $900 per night.

STREETERVILLE: BEST FOR SHOPAHOLICS & BEACH LOVERS

📍Google Maps | Nearby: Beatrix, Garrett’s, Magnificent Mile, 360 CHICAGO & Oak Street Beach

Streeterville is the perfect neighborhood for shopaholics and beach lovers.

It’s right in the same area as Magnificent Mile, a mile-long stretch of retail stores and restaurants.

If you stay here, you’ll be a 20-minute walk away from one of Chicago’s most popular beaches, Oak Street Beach, along with Lakefront Trail, a 2.7-mile pedestrian trail with a walking path and cycling path.

PROS OF STAYING IN STREETERVILLE

• Lots of hotel options
• Close to Oak Street Beach
• Great retail shopping options

CONS OF STAYING IN STREETERVILLE

• Public transportation access is limited (especially trains)
• Very touristy
• Can get expensive
• Not many restaurants

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN STREETERVILLE

• Hotel Riu Plaza Chicago: one of my favorite hotels in Chicago. I’ve been twice and can’t get enough! Free breakfast, helpful staff, and a decent-sized rooftop with food and drinks. The lobby is large and has lots of seating options. Not to mention, it smells really freakin’ good in there. I actually wrote an (unpaid) review, so check that out if you’re considering this hotel for your upcoming trip.
• Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection: this science-inspired hotel is like no other. There are all kinds of scientific touches throughout the hotel, including a robot that delivers food and other essentials to your room. With navy and gold accents, the overall hotel has a moodier vibe. It is a bit on the pricier side, but I think it’s worth splurging on.

RIVER NORTH: BEST FOR RESTAURANTS & A VIBRANT NIGHTLIFE

📍Google Maps | Nearby: Marshall’s Landing, Travoli Tavern & Architecture River Cruise

River North is the perfect neighborhood if you like to eat and indulge in nightlife.

There are tons of great restaurants nearby and you have easier access to public transportation compared to Streeterville.

PROS OF STAYING IN RIVER NORTH

• Tons of restaurants and bars nearby
• Several budget-friendly hotel options
• Easier access to public transportation

CONS OF STAYING IN RIVER NORTH

• Still not the most “local” experience
• Some restaurants are a bit expensive

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN RIVER NORTH

• Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North: an affordable hotel by Marriott. Amenities include an onsite restaurant, convenience store, indoor pool, fitness center, and more. Are you an under-21 traveler? This hotel’s minimum age requirement is 18 years old!
• Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North: similar to the Courtyard in location and night rates, but with a slightly homier feeling. These rooms have kitchenettes, which is perfect if you’re a solo traveler and don’t want to waste any food or cook your own meals.
• Hyatt Place Chicago/River North: this hotel boasts 212 rooms across eighteen floors. Best part? Free breakfast, every-freaking-day! Other amenities include a fitness center, laundry service and on-site restaurant.

SOUTH LOOP: BEST FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS

📍Google Maps | Nearby: 3LP Chi, Eleven City Diner Millennium Park, Chicago Cultural Center & The Art Institute

South Loop is the perfect neighborhood for budget travelers.

When doing research for places to stay in Chicago, you’ll probably notice a lot of the cheaper properties are in South Loop.

PROS OF STAYING IN SOUTH LOOP

• Great access to public transportation
• Lots to do in the area
• Slightly better restaurant options than The Loop

CONS OF STAYING IN SOUTH LOOP

• Not as safe as other areas
• Not much nightlife

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SOUTH LOOP

• Hilton Chicago: a classic Hilton property in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood. In typical Chicago fashion, the architecture is stunning. With a whopping 1,544 guest rooms and 29 floors, this is one of the largest hotels in the city. Though my stay was only one night, I was satisfied and had zero complaints. The perfect hotel if you’re attending an event at Solider Field or hanging out at Millennium Park, as you’re only a 24-minute walk from both. Hotel amenities include an on-site restaurant, indoor pool and fitness center.
• Sentral Michigan Avenue | Chicago Apartments: this is an apartment complex that’s also used as an short-term rental property. They offer competitive pricing and each room has a kitchen, which is perfect if you want to cook a few of your own meals to save money. Amenities include a fitness center, resort-style pool and work stations.
• The Blackstone, Autograph Collection: a Marriott property in Chicago. It’s one of the most aesthetic and luxury-feeling hotels in the city. You’re only an 11-minute walk from a world-renowned art museum, The Art Institute of Chicago. The hotel has 335 rooms across 21 floors, with amenities like a fitness center, ice machines and an award-winning Spanish restaurant called Mercat a la Planxa.

LAKE VIEW: BEST FOR BASEBALL FANS & SPORTS BARS

📍Google Maps | Nearby: Farm Bar Lakeview, Buena Vista, North Buena Deli, Wrigley Field & Lakefront Trail

Located 16 minutes from the downtown area and home to Wrigley Field, Lake View is an awesome for baseball fans and sports bars.

The Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field, and locals have tons of fun attending the games and rooting for the team. Countless restaurants surround the area, so you definitely shouldn’t find yourself short of options.

PROS OF STAYING IN LAKE VIEW

• Extremely walkable
• Good access to public transportation
• Close to the Lakefront Trail, Lincoln Park and beaches
• Tons of food options

CONS OF STAYING IN LAKE VIEW

• Further from the downtown area
• Not as many hotel options

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LAKE VIEW

• Hotel Zachary, Chicago, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel: this boutique hotel is located directly across from Wrigley Field, making it the perfect option if you’re attending a Cubs game. There are also tons of restaurants nearby, including Smoke Daddy and La Mexicana Grill. Amenities include two on-site restaurants, an on-site bar and a fitness center.
• Sports Illustrated Resorts Chicago: this hotel replaced the Virgin Hotel Chicago that was once there. The new hotel has 250 rooms across 26 floors, and includes amenities like a cafe and fitness center.

WICKER PARK: BEST FOR A MORE LOCAL EXPERIENCE

📍Google Maps | Nearby: Tuk Tuk, Mindy’s, Vajra & Bloomingdale Trail

I recommend staying in Wicker Park if you want more of a local experience.

I say this because, well, I feel tourists don’t really visit this hippy neighborhood. Read below for some more information about Wicker Park!

PROS OF STAYING IN WICKER PARK

• Not as touristy as other neighborhoods
• Great access to public transportation
• Walkable
• Tons of restaurants, bars and shops
• Has a vibrant nightlife

CONS OF STAYING IN WICKER PARK

• A bit further from the downtown area
• More expensive than other areas

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN WICKER PARK

• The Robey: this boutique hotel is probably best known for its 13th-floor rooftop called The Up Room, with amazing views of Chicago’s skyline. The Robey has several unique amenities like complimentary bikes, in-room massages, and discounts to local shops and services (the list is updated regularly).
• Hyatt Place Chicago / Wicker Park: this hotel has 99 rooms across 8 floors. Amenities include free breakfast, a fitness center and a rooftop called Kennedy. Check-in is at 3PM and checkout is at 12PM, which I think is nice.
• Wicker Park Inn: this is a boutique Bed and Breakfast situated in a historic home, with nine guest rooms. Each room has exposed brick walls, making them truly unique.

LINCOLN PARK: BEST FOR A RELAXED VIBE

📍Google Maps | Nearby: Pat’s Pizza & Ristorante, Red Light Chicken & Lincoln Park Conservatory

Lincoln Park is the perfect neighborhood for more of a relaxed vibe in Chicago.

This is largely a family-oriented area, which is why I say that. While there aren’t many hotel options here, you can’t beat the vibe of the environment.

A good number of tourists visit Lincoln Park, but not many of them stay here during their visit. Consider choosing this neighborhood for your upcoming solo trip to Chicago.

PROS OF STAYING IN LINCOLN PARK

• Tons of greenery
• Extremely walkable area
• Not as touristy as other neighborhoods
• One of Chicago’s safest neighborhoods

CONS OF STAYING IN LINCOLN PARK

• Public transportation access is limited
• Can get expensive
• You might feel secluded from the downtown hustle and bustle
• Not as many hotel options

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LINCOLN PARK

• Hotel Versey Chicago Lincoln Park: this hotel is located only five minutes from Lincoln Park and close to lots of other things to do in the neighborhood, including shopping and eating. Amenities include an on-site restaurant and fitness center.
• Spacious 3 Bedroom Guesthouse: this condo on VRBO has three bedrooms and is close to Wrigley Field. While you may not need that many bedrooms as a solo traveler, it’s nice having some extra space. Consider this guesthouse if you want more of a local experience.

🏨 FREE HOTEL COMPARISON TOOL

While I created this guide to help reduce decision fatigue, I’m aware you might still have some trouble picking a hotel. If this is true, consider using my Hotel Comparison Tool in the TSS Freebie Library. 

I created it exactly for this kind of scenario, and it really helps me narrow down my options. By joining the library, you will also be added to my weekly travel newsletter. If you only want the freebie, simply unsubscribe after gaining access.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHERE TO STAY IN CHICAGO

In this post, I helped you decide where to stay in Chicago on your first solo trip to the city. I hope that, by now, you’re readier than ever to book your hotel and check that step off your to-do list.

And now, friend, it’s your turn. I’m opening the floor for you to start a conversation in the comments. Here are some discussion topics:

• For all of my people who have traveled to Chicago before, what area and hotel did you stay in? How was your experience? Would you recommend this for other solo travelers?
• To those of you who live in or frequently visit Chicago, what areas and hotels do you recommend for first-time solo travelers? What places would you steer away from?
• What do you think was the most helpful part about this guide? Was it the neighborhood breakdowns? Was it the logistical details?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you feel more comfortable chatting with me directly, shoot me a DM on Instagram or email me at demarcus@thesolosolstice.com.

ABOUT DEMARCUS

DeMarcus is a Midwest-based travel content creator and the founder of the solo travel blog, The Solo Solstice. He began his solo travel journey in December 2025 and since has been creating practical, in-depth travel guides for a like-minded community of first-time solo adventurers.

Visit the About Page to learn more about DeMarcus, and visit the Ethical & Responsible Tourism Page to learn more about his efforts to promote responsible tourism.